Board Chairperson, Gender Lens Impact Investor, Serial Entrepreneur
Thelma Ekiyor is a distinguished Gender Lens Impact Investor, philanthropy expert, and social entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience working across Africa. As a passionate advocate for women's empowerment and decision-making, she has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive economic growth and establishing impactful organizations that support women in business.
Professional Background
Co-Founder of SME.NG
Thelma is the co-founder of SME.NG, Nigeria's premier impact investment platform focused on supporting women entrepreneurs. This platform aims to provide access to capital and resources, enabling women-led businesses to thrive in a competitive landscape. Through SME.NG, Thelma has been instrumental in facilitating funding opportunities and mentorship for countless female entrepreneurs, helping them achieve their business goals.
Philanthropic Leadership
Throughout her career, Thelma has pioneered the establishment of both national and international non-profit and philanthropic organizations. Her work has included the founding of various initiatives aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equality. She is committed to equipping women with the skills and resources necessary to participate in decision-making processes at all levels.
Board Chairperson and Advisory Roles
Currently, Thelma serves as the Board Chairperson of Proof Accelerator, where she continues to champion the potential of women-led ventures. Her advisory roles extend to several organizations, including the Centre for Analytics & Behavioural Change and All On, where she contributes her expertise in impact investing and social entrepreneurship.
Previous Experience
Thelma has held significant positions within various organizations, including:
- Pioneering CEO at the TY Danjuma Foundation, where she developed grant-making strategies and established partnerships for social impact.
- Executive Director at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), where she crafted capacity-building strategies for civil society organizations.
- Senior Manager at the Center for Conflict Resolution, focusing on peacebuilding initiatives across Africa.
Her extensive background in leadership roles has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by women in business and the importance of strategic investment in fostering sustainable development.
Education
Thelma holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Buckingham, an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Imperial College London, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at Cranfield School of Management. She also completed an Executive Programme in Private Equity from Imperial College London, enhancing her expertise in investment strategies.
Community Engagement
A strong advocate for women's rights, Thelma actively participates in initiatives that promote gender inclusion and economic empowerment. She co-founded several women's organizations aimed at fostering leadership skills among women and advocating for their representation in various sectors.
Personal Interests
Outside her professional endeavors, Thelma enjoys reading, volunteering, and mentoring young women. Her diverse interests reflect her commitment to personal growth and community development. She believes that by investing time in nurturing future leaders, she can contribute to creating a more equitable society.
Conclusion
With a wealth of experience as a Gender Lens Impact Investor and social entrepreneur, Thelma Ekiyor exemplifies a dedicated leader committed to empowering women and driving social change across Africa. Her work through SME.NG and various philanthropic initiatives positions her as a key figure in shaping the future of impact investing. As she continues to champion women's rights and economic empowerment, Thelma remains focused on creating lasting change that benefits communities throughout the continent.
Citations: [1] https://ng.linkedin.com/in/thelma-ekiyor-34a484120 [2] https://iradinvestment.com/ms-thelma-ekiyor-llb-mba/ [3] https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/11/18/inaugural-gender-impact-investment-summit-outlines-immediate-actions-to-bridge-financing-gap/ [4] https://old.avpa.africa/about-us/our-team/gender-lens-advisory-team/thelma-ekiyor/ [5] https://www.hakimsaya.com/our-story [6] https://www.linkedin.com/in/conor-riley-ceo [7] https://www.linkedin.com/in/pankajkedia [8] https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottsummit